United Nations (TDI): Pakistan has called for addressing the “underlying cause” of the sharp deterioration in South Sudan’s political and security situation that threatens to undermine the peace gains achieved so far amid fears of renewed conflict, stressing the need for all parties to cease hostilities.
“Unfortunately, in less than two months, the discourse has shifted and the situation has worsened,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, told the United Nations Security Council at a briefing on the worsening situation in South Sudan.
“We are concerned about possible further deterioration, and stress the need to de-escalate and address the underlying reason of this downward slide,” he added.
Ambassador Jadoon urged the parties to engage in good faith with Hayson, the UN representative, and with the regional mediation efforts, especially by the African Union and other partners.
He said that the arrest of Machar, the former first vice president, and other top members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition has negatively affected the peace process.
Jadoon said that Islamabad supports the demand of African Union and others for the immediate and unconditional release of Machar and imprisoned opposition figures to restore trust in the political process.
In this regard, the envoy called for the full and immediate implementation the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
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Voicing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis, he stated it is being compounded by the growing political tensions in a country where 9.3 million people – three quarters of the population – need help, and 7.7 million suffer from acute food insecurity.
Highlighting that the 2025 ‘Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan’ is only 10.5 percent resourced, he underscored the need for closing the funding gap to prevent famine and disease outbreaks.
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Calling the United Nations Mission in South Sudan as “a force of stability”, he praised the sacrifices and efforts of the peacekeepers to consolidate peace and development in South Sudan under difficult circumstances.
